Sabarimala temple opens tomorrow

Pathanamthitta, Sep 2 (UNI) The Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala will open tomorrow for 'Poojas' to celebrate annual 'Onam Festival'.

Melsanthi M Sukumaran Nampoothiri will open the sanctum sanctorum at 1730 hrs in the presence of Tantri Kantararu Rajeevaru and light the ceremonial lamps.

Special poojas will be performed till September seven. The Melsanthi will sponsor the 'Uthrada Sadya' to be held at Sannidhanam on Monday.

The Melsanthi and Tantri will cut the vegetables to mark the auspicious beginning for the 'Uthrda Sadya' preparation, after the opening the temple.

The sumptuous meal will comprise 18 types of dishes.

The 'Thiruvonam' feast had been sponsored by a devotee Dr Manikanta Das.

On September 7, 'Sahasrakalasabhishekam'and'Kalabhabhishekam' will be offered to the diety. The hill-shrine will close on the same day at 2200 hrs after 'Athazha Pooja.' UNI XR CR VD GC2004